Overview

• President Trump's executive order directs federal agencies to stop procuring and using paper straws, reversing policies introduced under the Biden administration.
• The order does not create a nationwide ban on paper straws but focuses on federal government operations, with further policy recommendations expected within 45 days.
• Environmental advocates criticize the move as a setback in efforts to combat plastic pollution, citing risks to marine life and human health from single-use plastics.
• Supporters, including the plastics industry, argue that paper straws are less effective, more costly, and carry potential health risks due to chemical content.
• Legal experts note that the executive order's impact is limited to federal agencies and would require congressional approval to expand beyond federal operations.